Assemblywoman Galef Announces Briarcliff High School Senior as New York Semi-Finalist for U.S. Presidential Scholars Award

(December 3, 2014) New York State Assemblywoman Sandy Galef has announced that an intern in her office, Anastasia Friedland, a senior at Briarcliff High School, has been nominated as one of the 10 semi-finalists in New York for the Presidential Scholars Program by NYS Education Commissioner John King. One female and one male from each state will be awarded the U.S. Presidential Scholars Award.

The Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by President Lyndon Johnson to honor and recognize the talent and hard work of high school seniors in the United States. This award is given to students who demonstrate incredible accomplishments in their academics as well as in the arts and within their community.

“I am thrilled that Anastasia Friedland has been recognized by Commissioner King’s office as one of 5 young women and 5 young men moving on to the national level to be considered for the Presidential Scholars Award. Anastasia has a unique story of overcoming many hardships and yet persevering to meet and surpass expectations and maintain a high academic average while she pursues her dreams, as well as continuing to give back to her community at the same time. She is very deserving of this recognition and I wish her all the best in the next round of decision making,” said Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, who nominated Anastasia for the Presidential Scholars Porgram in October, 2014.

The Presidential Scholar recognition is a very selective and prestigious honor for high school students. The entire staff at Assemblywoman Galef’s office is very proud of Anastasia and wish her the best of luck. Those chosen as United States Presidential Scholar receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., and attend a ceremony sponsored by the White House, where they receive a U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion. For more information on the Presidential Scholars Award, please visit http://www2.ed.gov/programs/psp/index.html.

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Caption for photo: Assemblywoman Sandy Galef with Anastasia Friedland, from Briarcliff High School, a finalist for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Award.